An explosion at a weapons factory in Turkey has resulted in at least 12 fatalities.

An explosion occurred at an explosives manufacturing plant in Turkey's northwestern province of Balıkesir, in the village of Karesi. Preliminary reports indicate that at least 12 people have died, and three others have been injured, reports CNN Türk.

The incident took place in the production area of the plant, where 15 people were working at the time. The explosion resulted in part of the building collapsing and a fire breaking out.

The governor of Balıkesir, Ismail Ustaoglu, stated that the likelihood of sabotage has been ruled out, and there is currently no risk of a secondary explosion. Turkey's Minister of Justice, Yılmaz Tunç, announced that an investigation into the incident has been initiated.

The plant, which specialized in the production of ammunition for small arms, had been in operation since 2014.